State Decides Educators Didn't Cover Up Sex Case

Around Florida

December 14, 1997

PENSACOLA — A former principal and football coach who were removed after a sexual assault on a 15-year-old girl by other students can keep their state teaching credentials.

The Florida Department of Education was unable to find evidence to support a grand jury finding that the assault by up to 35 boys was covered up for more than a month to protect a winning football season two years ago.

Many of the students involved were on the football team at Pensacola High School.

Education Commissioner Frank Brogan signed deferred prosecution agreements with former Principal Horace Jones and David Wilson, who had been the head football coach at the time of the assault in October 1995.